(COLUMBUS) - Cummins Inc. employees in Columbus began receiving word late last week that their positions have been eliminated, a company spokesman said.

The layoffs are part of Columbus-based Cummins' plan to reduce its global workforce by about 2,000 salaried professionals. The engine maker made that announcement in October, citing declining sales in international markets -- particularly China and Brazil -- as a primary factor.

Cummins employs about 54,600 worldwide, and 2,000 layoffs would represent a 3.7 percent reduction of the workforce. About 8,500 workers are employed in southern Indiana.